Trump's top negotiator called on the carpet for baffling Russia claim: 'They lie'
March 11, 2026
A stumbling answer by Donald Trump’s lead international negotiator on Tuesday was the subject of both amusement and disbelief on MS NOW, with the entire panel wondering if the Trump hire, a commercial real estate investor, is way over his head.
During an appearance on CNBC, Steve Witkoff, who is the lead White House diplomat in negotiations dealing with both the war in Ukraine and the US war on Iran, was asked about alarming reports that Russia is giving assistance to Iran on targeting US servicemembers.
Witkoff replied, “I can tell you that yesterday, on the call with [President Trump], the Russians said they have not been sharing,” paused and added, “That’s what they said. So, we can take them at their word, but they did say that.”
He then curiously continued, “So, I, you know, that's a better question for the intel people, but let's hope that they're not sharing.”
After playing the clip on “Morning Joe,” an amused Joe Scarborough immediately pounced, looked at the camera and lectured, “You know, diplomats, you got to work with both sides. But I will just say, if Steve is watching, Steve, they lie. This is what Russians do. They think it's the smart move to always lie, lie. That's the very nature of it. They are disruptors. They count on American suckers to think that they're going to win them over by force of personality. It never happens.”
“Steve Witkoff just said, I have to take Vladimir Putin at his word. I have to take the KGB agent at his word. And remember, Steve Witkoff is the lead negotiator in the Russia-Ukraine talks, among many other places,” he added.
Co-host Willie Geist offered, "Just remember, as we think about why, perhaps we're not giving as much aid as we should be to Ukraine in the eyes of many people. The guy leading the negotiations says you have to take Russia at their word.”
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